Rush for flu jabs after star's shocking death

Cheng Wong

Demand for flu vaccines has rocketed in Hong Kong and Taiwan in the wake of the sudden death of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu

The 48-year-old star known as "Big S" passed away in Japan from influenza complications, prompting a wave of health concerns among Hongkongers and Taiwanese.

Hong Kong family doctor Lam Wing-wo said he is seeing a 30 percent increase in vaccination inquiries as many who previously hesitated are now seeking protection against the virus.

Lam attributes this shift to heightened health awareness and fears stemming from the tragic news of Hsu's passing.

"Some may have postponed getting vaccinated due to fears of feeling unwell," he said, adding that vaccine availability has returned to normal after Lunar New Year holiday disruptions.

"I have also confirmed with pharmaceutical companies that there is sufficient supply in Hong Kong."

In Taiwan, the government's free vaccine supply plummeted overnight by 40,000 doses to 160,000 on Tuesday.

With some cities and counties already running out of vaccines, health and welfare minister Chiu Tai-yuan said there is a need to prioritize high-risk groups, such as the elderly.

He reassured that over two million doses remain available.

Taipei's Department of Health anticipates that the free supply will soon be depleted.

Deputy minister of health Lin Ching-yi advised that individuals who frequently interact with others or plan to travel should consider obtaining the paid vaccine.

In Hong Kong, infectious disease specialist Joseph Tsang Kay-yan urged residents to seek antiviral medication promptly after contracting the flu to facilitate quicker recovery.

Speaking on radio, he warned that missing the critical treatment window could lead to severe complications from upper respiratory infections.

As the Lunar New Year holiday wraps up, pediatric and adolescent specialist Mike Kwan Yat-wah expects a spike in flu cases among students when schools reopen later this week.

He noted that increased contact among students is likely to spread the virus further.

The Department of Health has reported a significant rise in schools participating in on-site flu vaccinations this year, with 98 percent already having completed or scheduled shots.

However, the vaccination rate for children aged six months to under two years remains concerningly low at about 20 percent.

Kwan said young children face a higher risk of complications, including severe conditions like encephalitis. He urged parents to trust scientific and professional guidance, as some harbor misconceptions about vaccine safety and efficacy.

The Department of Health has also extended the school enrollment period to encourage HPV vaccination, as only 58 percent of schools have participated in the program.

To protect girls under 20, authorities announced a one-off catch-up program for HPV vaccination for the 2024-25 school year, targeting girls in secondary five and above.

The enrollment deadline has been extended to March 31 from last November, allowing schools to register before vaccinations begin in August.

cheng.wong@singtaonewscorp.com